The United Nations on Monday started a landmark conference on a distinctly alarmed note, as it moves towards creating global AI rules that could affect vendors and users alike.
"We may be the last generation able to set the terms on which humanity and machines coexist," Secretary-General António Guterres told the opening of the Global Dialogue on AI Governance after highlighting "killer robots" as his chief concern.
Other UN leaders warned of a technology "shaped by a few," risks to critical infrastructure, and emotional attachment to AI models.
Many also spoke of the transformative promise AI holds – usually after dwelling on the risks.
The Global Dialogue is midpoint in a consultation process the UN started in January 2025. A panel of 40 experts convened in February 2025 to provide national policymakers with evidence around potential AI regulations.
The panel's initial findings were published last week and this week's Global Dialogue summit will discuss the report. Another conference will be held in May 2027 to move towards international regulation.
That is unprecedented speed for a UN system that appears to be galvanised by the speed of AI development. "The UN was built for moments like this," Annalena Baerbock, the president of the General Assembly, told those gathered.
